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Chapter 8 Parisian Nights
Chapter 8 Parisian Nights
"I shall always remain a Patriotic American, a piece of my heart though belongs to Paris."- Benjamin Franklin 1783
July 21st, 1836. Paris, France
If someone were to go back in time and tell a young Stephen Fuller Austin that one day he would be the founding father of a nation and would be playing diplomat for a revolution in Paris, then Austin would call that man a crazy loon. Yet here he was about to enter the court of King Louis Philippe as Texas's official ambassador, in order to gain recognition and aid for the new nation. Originally all Austin wanted in life was to have a simple living as a lawyer, and if he was successful enter into the field of politics as a congressman. All of that changed though when his father Moses died in 1821, leaving in his will the empressario grant that he had received from Mexico to his son Stephen. At first Austin did not want to move to Texas as he was content in Arkansas and had no experience in being a leader, though after spending time in reflection he took the job as he could not ever live with himself by denying his father's dream. So he set out to Texas with 300 American families, the first settlers of Modern Texas. Over the years Austin grew to love his new home. The land was plentiful and ripe and the people all looked to him as their beloved leader, under Austin's guidance the colony grew to become the most successful in all of Texas. Unfortunately, the era of peace would not last as Santa Anna's reign of tyranny began, though Austin tried and tried again to negotiate for more American settlers to come and for his colony to live with their unalienable rights, all attempts however eventually failed and Austin was arrested for supposed dissent and treason in 1834 (rather ironic consider latter events), though he was freed before the end of the year Austin came to believe more and more that only in rebellion can the people of Texas protect their rights. When the Revolution was launched Austin was a stern supporter of the rebels and worked closely with the government to organize the revolution. Austin's until then small role in the revolution would change when he was appointed as commissioner to France by Governor Henry Smith in February 1836. While Austin argued that he would be more effective gaining support in the United States, Smith believed that if the war was to continue indefinitely then the young nation would need the support of the European great powers to their cause, just as the United States had in their revolution. Seeing the logic of the arguement Austin relented and he left on a ship to Bordeaux from New Orleans on March 13th, only a week after the Alamo.
When Austin arrived at Paris he had been taken away with the magnificent city, it truly stood as a monument to the great culture of Western Europe, 'will Texas ever had a capitol like this' he wondered. The first few weeks spent in the capitol were spent settling down in the American embassy due to Jackson's support of the Revolution and his old friendship with Sam Houston. During that time Austin had been touring the city and had attended many meetings with nobles and various national politicians, outlying their plea for nationhood and why it should be supported. Though he had found support most were skeptical about Texas's prospects or tried to talk down to him like he was some backwards redneck. After news of the Alamo and San Jacinto though many were starting to take him very seriously, with some openly expressing support as revolutionary brothers in arms. After talks between Ambassador Livingston and French foreign minister Adolphe Thiers, a meeting was scheduled for Austin to represent his case directly to King Louis on the 21st.
View attachment 285047
The city of Paris, 1836
To say that Austin was nervous when arriving at the Palace of Versailles was quite the understatement, while he could hold himself up in a courtroom but he never had to present himself for a monarch, it probably didn't help that last time he visited a head of state he was thrown in jail, 'at least that bastard was killed by Crockett, good riddance'. Upon entering he was ushered into a private waiting room where he was to stay until Louis Philippe requested for the audience to begin. For over half an hour Austin sat staring at the various paintings adorning the wall, 'these art pieces are probably worth more than my entire estate'. Finally a servant entered and escorted Austin to the Royal conference room where he would finally get to meet the esteemed French King. Upon entering the room Austin was actually surprised at what he saw. Growing up in a land of republicans and frontiersman Austin expected to be confronted with an air of pompous nobility and have to partake in a number of ceremonies. When he looked at the King he only saw a man who kept to an average military uniform and the room itself was just a plain room with a large table seated in by the King and Thiers. After staring for a few seconds, Austin awkwardly tried to get back into a business manner and presented himself to the King.
Stephen F. Austin (Right), King Louis Phillipe I (Left).
"Your excellency, i am grateful to be in your presence and would like to thank you for taking your precious time in order to hear the plight of my people."
"Thank you for coming, please take a seat. Monsieur Austin i am very curious to know why you believe the people of France should provide their support to your current rebellion." Louis replied in English.
Taken somewhat aback by the Monarch's apparent fluency in his native tongue, Austin then replied with the speech he prepared; "Your excellency for many years the people of Texas only wished to live in peace with freedom and liberty according to their natural rights. However this liberty came under danger when the tyrant Santa Anna denounced our right to representation, banned our families from entering into Texas, and abolished the constitution." He took great care not to mention imposition of Catholicism and banning slavery, as it wouldn't be a good argument to a abolitionist Catholic monarch. "As we sought to defend our natural rights the people of Texas rose up in revolution just as yours did against the rule of Charles X. So far the Texan force has won every single battle and we have achieved two incredible major victories against opposing forces with greater odds. As of right now Mexico has entered into lawlessness with the beginning of a Civil War, it is only a matter of time before other independence movements rise up against the oppressive central government in Mexico City. With your support and recognition Texas can be truly free from Mexico and you will gain a valuable ally in the West."
"Yes these are all valid points for why intervention will succeed, the point is WHY should France commit itself to such a cause, what do we possibly have to gain from this venture." Asked Theirs.
"You see Minister Thiers, Texas is a land full of opportunities. We have vast arable lands which can be used for large amounts of crops that can be traded with France for a fair price. We have lots of opened land that can be opened to French colonists for a cheap price, thereby getting rid of any population problem's for France in the future and allowing potential emigrants to leave France who may be opposed to the countries policies. In addition by having an ally in Texas you will be able to open up a large amount of trade in the America's, while taking action against Mexico, a close friend of Great Britain which i know you would not want to dominate the America's." 'Yes tell him all the benefits for his country and how he'll be sticking the Brits too.'
Louis thought for a few seconds, understanding all the benefits he could gain and the potential glory and prestige from a successful foreign venture. He was already in the midst of taking over Algeria and a few friends in the Western hemisphere couldn't hurt. "How do we know that you will not just stab France in the back like Washington did in 1792?"
'Crap, the Frenchies are still sore about it.' "I assure you your excellency that Washington's only reasons for doing so was because France was very unstable at the time with revolutionary strife, as such even though we are eternally grateful for your role in the revolutionary war, we simply could not agree to an continued alliance with a bloody regime, especially as the Legitimate rulers of France, the Bourbons, were executed and overthrown by the anarchists. We simply could not assist such a nation in any way."
"I still do not see what France can gain in any of this. Mexico is a Catholic nation, as faithful of the Church, France just simply cannot declare war on a fellow nation of faith. What can Texas even be willing to contribute in this alliance. I already hear whispers that many in your so called-Republic wish for Annexation to the United States". Replied Thiers.
"Since the start of Santa Anna's reign Mexico has taken very many actions which can be described as non-Christian, when Santa Anna crushed the Zacatecas revolt he slaughtered hundreds just to get a message across, if our brave fighters had lost the Alamo he would've massacred all the survivors, just recently you have heard of the Mexico City massacre. While it is true that many of my people wish to join the United States that is simply because America is our former nation and we would do so for protection from Mexico, were our independence to be guaranteed by the great nation of France there would be no need of annexation, in addition given time our great nation will be able to flourish and be able to work with France in securing a partnership of liberty and freedom across the West. If you are uninterested in our cause we would be willing to enter talks with Great Britain, the United States, or Spain."
"That will not be necessary," said Louis "I am willing to enter into an alliance with Texas as i have seen what the wonders of Independence can do when i lived in the United States. All i need to know are the exact details of the support you want and what specific guarantees my nation will receive in such an alliance." 'Maybe this my efforts may succeed after all,' thought Austin. Afterwords the men spent the next 3 hours discussing the details of a possible treaty and the role France would play in securing independence. Once evening came Louis dismissed Austin and promised the Texan to speak with his advisors and parliament on the matter, with a promise of an additional meeting later in the week. The two shock hands and then Austin left the palace. Afterwords Louis had a conversation with Thiers.
"So Adolph what is your opinion of the man?"
"Well your excellency he seems like a competent politician who truly does believe in his cause of independence. As a prominent ruler from the nation i trust that much of what he is saying concerning Texas may be true. Over time France may be able too reap many benefits from young republic. Still there are simply too many risks involved. I am wary of Britain's reaction on our approach on what might be considered their influence, or what the Untied States would have to say with their Monroe Doctrine."
"It is precisely because of those nations that i cannot sit back and let America run amuck in expansion or let Britain gain another puppet. If we are not careful then France will be surrounded by enemies with little support, power, or influence. While i do intend to create a great Empire i will not make the same mistakes as Napoleon. That Jackson fellow is too supportive of the Texans to be against our intervention, besides i doubt that Britain will end the last 20 years of peace over us intervening in a backwards nation. Already i hear several reports of new independence movements springing up in Mexico. This is a gold mine for us to create a potential New World Empire. One full of states like Texas that will be entirely dependent on us and help our goals to expand our influence in the region."
"I hope your right my King. Still though, do you really believe this Texas is that significant."
"Adolphe, I have a feeling that in time Texas will be the key to the west." After two months of negotiations the Franco-Texan Alliance was born.
View attachment 285048
"I shall always remain a Patriotic American, a piece of my heart though belongs to Paris."- Benjamin Franklin 1783
July 21st, 1836. Paris, France
If someone were to go back in time and tell a young Stephen Fuller Austin that one day he would be the founding father of a nation and would be playing diplomat for a revolution in Paris, then Austin would call that man a crazy loon. Yet here he was about to enter the court of King Louis Philippe as Texas's official ambassador, in order to gain recognition and aid for the new nation. Originally all Austin wanted in life was to have a simple living as a lawyer, and if he was successful enter into the field of politics as a congressman. All of that changed though when his father Moses died in 1821, leaving in his will the empressario grant that he had received from Mexico to his son Stephen. At first Austin did not want to move to Texas as he was content in Arkansas and had no experience in being a leader, though after spending time in reflection he took the job as he could not ever live with himself by denying his father's dream. So he set out to Texas with 300 American families, the first settlers of Modern Texas. Over the years Austin grew to love his new home. The land was plentiful and ripe and the people all looked to him as their beloved leader, under Austin's guidance the colony grew to become the most successful in all of Texas. Unfortunately, the era of peace would not last as Santa Anna's reign of tyranny began, though Austin tried and tried again to negotiate for more American settlers to come and for his colony to live with their unalienable rights, all attempts however eventually failed and Austin was arrested for supposed dissent and treason in 1834 (rather ironic consider latter events), though he was freed before the end of the year Austin came to believe more and more that only in rebellion can the people of Texas protect their rights. When the Revolution was launched Austin was a stern supporter of the rebels and worked closely with the government to organize the revolution. Austin's until then small role in the revolution would change when he was appointed as commissioner to France by Governor Henry Smith in February 1836. While Austin argued that he would be more effective gaining support in the United States, Smith believed that if the war was to continue indefinitely then the young nation would need the support of the European great powers to their cause, just as the United States had in their revolution. Seeing the logic of the arguement Austin relented and he left on a ship to Bordeaux from New Orleans on March 13th, only a week after the Alamo.
When Austin arrived at Paris he had been taken away with the magnificent city, it truly stood as a monument to the great culture of Western Europe, 'will Texas ever had a capitol like this' he wondered. The first few weeks spent in the capitol were spent settling down in the American embassy due to Jackson's support of the Revolution and his old friendship with Sam Houston. During that time Austin had been touring the city and had attended many meetings with nobles and various national politicians, outlying their plea for nationhood and why it should be supported. Though he had found support most were skeptical about Texas's prospects or tried to talk down to him like he was some backwards redneck. After news of the Alamo and San Jacinto though many were starting to take him very seriously, with some openly expressing support as revolutionary brothers in arms. After talks between Ambassador Livingston and French foreign minister Adolphe Thiers, a meeting was scheduled for Austin to represent his case directly to King Louis on the 21st.
View attachment 285047
The city of Paris, 1836
To say that Austin was nervous when arriving at the Palace of Versailles was quite the understatement, while he could hold himself up in a courtroom but he never had to present himself for a monarch, it probably didn't help that last time he visited a head of state he was thrown in jail, 'at least that bastard was killed by Crockett, good riddance'. Upon entering he was ushered into a private waiting room where he was to stay until Louis Philippe requested for the audience to begin. For over half an hour Austin sat staring at the various paintings adorning the wall, 'these art pieces are probably worth more than my entire estate'. Finally a servant entered and escorted Austin to the Royal conference room where he would finally get to meet the esteemed French King. Upon entering the room Austin was actually surprised at what he saw. Growing up in a land of republicans and frontiersman Austin expected to be confronted with an air of pompous nobility and have to partake in a number of ceremonies. When he looked at the King he only saw a man who kept to an average military uniform and the room itself was just a plain room with a large table seated in by the King and Thiers. After staring for a few seconds, Austin awkwardly tried to get back into a business manner and presented himself to the King.
Stephen F. Austin (Right), King Louis Phillipe I (Left).
"Your excellency, i am grateful to be in your presence and would like to thank you for taking your precious time in order to hear the plight of my people."
"Thank you for coming, please take a seat. Monsieur Austin i am very curious to know why you believe the people of France should provide their support to your current rebellion." Louis replied in English.
Taken somewhat aback by the Monarch's apparent fluency in his native tongue, Austin then replied with the speech he prepared; "Your excellency for many years the people of Texas only wished to live in peace with freedom and liberty according to their natural rights. However this liberty came under danger when the tyrant Santa Anna denounced our right to representation, banned our families from entering into Texas, and abolished the constitution." He took great care not to mention imposition of Catholicism and banning slavery, as it wouldn't be a good argument to a abolitionist Catholic monarch. "As we sought to defend our natural rights the people of Texas rose up in revolution just as yours did against the rule of Charles X. So far the Texan force has won every single battle and we have achieved two incredible major victories against opposing forces with greater odds. As of right now Mexico has entered into lawlessness with the beginning of a Civil War, it is only a matter of time before other independence movements rise up against the oppressive central government in Mexico City. With your support and recognition Texas can be truly free from Mexico and you will gain a valuable ally in the West."
"Yes these are all valid points for why intervention will succeed, the point is WHY should France commit itself to such a cause, what do we possibly have to gain from this venture." Asked Theirs.
"You see Minister Thiers, Texas is a land full of opportunities. We have vast arable lands which can be used for large amounts of crops that can be traded with France for a fair price. We have lots of opened land that can be opened to French colonists for a cheap price, thereby getting rid of any population problem's for France in the future and allowing potential emigrants to leave France who may be opposed to the countries policies. In addition by having an ally in Texas you will be able to open up a large amount of trade in the America's, while taking action against Mexico, a close friend of Great Britain which i know you would not want to dominate the America's." 'Yes tell him all the benefits for his country and how he'll be sticking the Brits too.'
Louis thought for a few seconds, understanding all the benefits he could gain and the potential glory and prestige from a successful foreign venture. He was already in the midst of taking over Algeria and a few friends in the Western hemisphere couldn't hurt. "How do we know that you will not just stab France in the back like Washington did in 1792?"
'Crap, the Frenchies are still sore about it.' "I assure you your excellency that Washington's only reasons for doing so was because France was very unstable at the time with revolutionary strife, as such even though we are eternally grateful for your role in the revolutionary war, we simply could not agree to an continued alliance with a bloody regime, especially as the Legitimate rulers of France, the Bourbons, were executed and overthrown by the anarchists. We simply could not assist such a nation in any way."
"I still do not see what France can gain in any of this. Mexico is a Catholic nation, as faithful of the Church, France just simply cannot declare war on a fellow nation of faith. What can Texas even be willing to contribute in this alliance. I already hear whispers that many in your so called-Republic wish for Annexation to the United States". Replied Thiers.
"Since the start of Santa Anna's reign Mexico has taken very many actions which can be described as non-Christian, when Santa Anna crushed the Zacatecas revolt he slaughtered hundreds just to get a message across, if our brave fighters had lost the Alamo he would've massacred all the survivors, just recently you have heard of the Mexico City massacre. While it is true that many of my people wish to join the United States that is simply because America is our former nation and we would do so for protection from Mexico, were our independence to be guaranteed by the great nation of France there would be no need of annexation, in addition given time our great nation will be able to flourish and be able to work with France in securing a partnership of liberty and freedom across the West. If you are uninterested in our cause we would be willing to enter talks with Great Britain, the United States, or Spain."
"That will not be necessary," said Louis "I am willing to enter into an alliance with Texas as i have seen what the wonders of Independence can do when i lived in the United States. All i need to know are the exact details of the support you want and what specific guarantees my nation will receive in such an alliance." 'Maybe this my efforts may succeed after all,' thought Austin. Afterwords the men spent the next 3 hours discussing the details of a possible treaty and the role France would play in securing independence. Once evening came Louis dismissed Austin and promised the Texan to speak with his advisors and parliament on the matter, with a promise of an additional meeting later in the week. The two shock hands and then Austin left the palace. Afterwords Louis had a conversation with Thiers.
"So Adolph what is your opinion of the man?"
"Well your excellency he seems like a competent politician who truly does believe in his cause of independence. As a prominent ruler from the nation i trust that much of what he is saying concerning Texas may be true. Over time France may be able too reap many benefits from young republic. Still there are simply too many risks involved. I am wary of Britain's reaction on our approach on what might be considered their influence, or what the Untied States would have to say with their Monroe Doctrine."
"It is precisely because of those nations that i cannot sit back and let America run amuck in expansion or let Britain gain another puppet. If we are not careful then France will be surrounded by enemies with little support, power, or influence. While i do intend to create a great Empire i will not make the same mistakes as Napoleon. That Jackson fellow is too supportive of the Texans to be against our intervention, besides i doubt that Britain will end the last 20 years of peace over us intervening in a backwards nation. Already i hear several reports of new independence movements springing up in Mexico. This is a gold mine for us to create a potential New World Empire. One full of states like Texas that will be entirely dependent on us and help our goals to expand our influence in the region."
"I hope your right my King. Still though, do you really believe this Texas is that significant."
"Adolphe, I have a feeling that in time Texas will be the key to the west." After two months of negotiations the Franco-Texan Alliance was born.
View attachment 285048
- Kaiser Chris
- Word Count: 2.2k